Village mum's free business networking group helps other parents connect and build friendships

Emma Mahil, a counselling therapist who works in Thurmaston, came up with the idea after experiencing first-hand how difficult it can be to build a business and maintain a social life while raising young children.

Without her own car or regular childcare, Emma often found herself feeling trapped and isolated.

Rather than waiting for a suitable networking group to appear, she decided to create one herself.

The group - Coffee and Connections - meets every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm at Delish in Syston, a venue Emma already knew as a regular customer.

She approached owner Dani with her idea and, from there, Coffee and Connections was born.

Emma said: “I wanted it to be informal because I was terrified of doing big elevator pitches, and I know not everyone likes that way of working.

“So I kept it super relaxed and informal - just simply a space to connect with other mums.

“And the best thing about it all is you can bring the kids along.

“One of the biggest challenges for mums is childcare, and what better way for children to learn than to see mummy at work and doing what she loves?”

The group, led by Emma, is open to mums and women who may be feeling isolated and want to connect with a community of like-minded people who understand what it takes to run a business alongside family life.

Rather than formal presentations and pressured sales pitches, the sessions are designed to give women an opportunity to chat, share ideas, make connections, collaborate and support one another.

Emma also runs a side business helping people reduce the cost of their household services and explore ways of generating an additional income around existing jobs, businesses and family commitments.

She said: “Providing a group where women and mums can do business together in the community has been really valuable to me.

“It’s helped me build genuine friendships with other local women, as well as grow my customer and team base for my business. I also help people save money on their bills.

“I’ve also used the services of several of the other ladies in the group, which really shows the value of having a supportive network of local women who can share ideas, recommend each other and collaborate.

“For me, it’s much more than just networking. It’s a friendly, informal space where mums can connect, support one another and build relationships without the pressure of traditional business networking.”

Emma hopes the group will continue to grow while retaining its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

There are also plans to introduce occasional evening and weekend sessions, potentially including social events and drinks, to make the group accessible to even more local women.

The Wednesday sessions currently run from 11am until 1pm at Delish in Syston and are free to attend. Look out for Emma's free Bill Clinic, which runs monthly.